by piglover

Created on: February 21, 2009

I believe in the freedom of speech, to a point. Frankly, I do not believe that our founding fathers literally meant that we can say whatever we please in public and subject everyone in proximity to our chosen words. I believe that the original intent of freedom of speech was to be able to voice our opinions in a constructive manner in order to spark change. Chances are today's music would be twice as appalling to the writers of the Constitution as it is to some of us today.

Some of the absolute junk that is being promoted as songs today has got to go. What are these singers thinking? There are singers whom I believe to be the ones spouting vulgarities and violence masquerading as songs. Then, there are artists who are singing poetry that is telling me a story. Figuring out the story is half the beauty of the music. The music industry should be cleaning up before accepting songs for release to the public. Yes, I realize that some artists can be bought as either original content or as censored. Do we really, for a minute, believe that everyone is diligent about the difference? As a teacher of 4th and 5th grade at risk students, I can attest to the fact that we have parents paying no attention whatsoever to what their offspring are doing for amusement. I play music in my classroom everyday. I play a wide variety of music from soft rock to a little heavier rock to country to classical to Christian. I do not play rap just because I don't like it, and it is very difficult to find lyrics that are appropriate for my kids. I am careful with the music I do play to make sure that lyrics are kid safe.

Even when it appears they are not really listening to the words, I will catch them singing with the song. I am always grateful that I know all the words myself and would approve them as a parent. These kids have seen and survived things in their young lives that I hope my sons (both grown young men in their twenties) do not ever have to experience. I need to be vigilant in creating a safe place for 7 hours a day. Music is important and very calming. The music industry would be doing a great service if songs were cleaned up. I would be able to readily play songs that my kids listen to even if I did not personally like the style. Until that time comes, if it ever does, I must censor and subject my kids to music that they do not get to choose in the classroom.

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